Dr. Laura Chien

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Biography

Laura is a PhD candidate at the Australian National University (ANU) Institute for Communication and Health Care, where she is also a Healthcare Improvement Fellow for 2024-2025. Her research focuses on improving the quality and safety of patient care, particularly examining diagnostic uncertainty in emergency departments. Laura's work combines linguistic expertise with qualitative research methods to explore how patients and caregivers communicate their expectations and navigate uncertainties during the diagnostic journey in emergency settings. She aims to develop patient-centered approaches to diagnostic excellence in high-stakes environments. Under the supervision of Dr. Mary Dahm, she contributes to an ARC DECRA Fellowship project investigating the critical role of communication in diagnostic safety. Throughout her career at ANU since 2020, Laura has developed expertise in qualitative health communication research, translating findings into practical interventions to enhance nurse-patient care. Her work has been published in leading international nursing journals, informing practice changes in multiple hospital wards. She is also an advocate for consumer engagement in healthcare research, actively involving consumers in shaping her work and advocating for improved diagnostic safety at the national level, including contributions to Australia's National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards.

Research Interests

Experience

Fellow

2024-10-01 — 2025-12-31

Institute for Healthcare Improvement • Canberra, Australia

Focused on healthcare improvement initiatives.

PhD Candidate

2020-01-01 — Present

Australian National University • Canberra, Australia

Conducting research on health communication and diagnostic safety.

Awards

#

University Medal

2006-01-01

Requirements for Australian National University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:2.8
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:18
Reading
Required:18
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:18
Total
Required:80
PTE
Listening
Required:55
Reading
Required:55
Writing
Required:55
Speaking
Required:55
Overall
Required:64
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree or international equivalent Cognate discipline for some specializations
Application Checklist
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Proof of English Proficiency
  • Copy of Passport
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of Purpose
Specialization Notes

Requirements are standardized across most Master of Science and Arts programs within the College of Science and College of Arts & Social Sciences.